One of the most curious discoveries made of the new world had to be the scattering of ancient ruins found in many of the mountain ranges surrounding the human colony of Lasdock. Some small, some large, each built for some unknown purpose long lost to the ravages of time.

Of course, the Scholar, ceaselessly inquisitive as he was, set off for such a ruin almost as soon as their existence was discovered. He wasn't even dissuaded when Aufei was uncharacteristically reluctant to accompany him.

She had heard things from her tribe. Too many stories to count spoke of these ruins as dark places. That things beyond life were drawn there.

Still, always the tenacious fool, the scholar left anyway. Promised he'd be careful with a smile and a wave as he set off.

She didn't even last an hour before running after him. She never would have forgiven herself if something happened.

...

She was going to bite his rear off if they made it out of here alive.